Review of the new Citroen C-Crosser Range

For all their history of developing cars that can drive across ploughed fields while wearing a hat, the French haven't actually achieved too much when it comes to building 4x4s. Those with long memories will remember the Citroen Mehari while in more recent years there have been cars like the Renault Scenic RX4 and Kangoo Trekka. When it comes to capitalising on the phenomenal growth of lifestyle 4x4s, however, it's fair to say that the French have comprehensively missed the bateau.

Over the last few years, things have been changing though. In 2007, Citroen and partners Peugeot teamed up with Mitsubishi to share the costs of a joint venture that has resulted in a product platform that has spawned Mitsubishi's Outlander, Peugeot's 4007 and the vehicle we look at here, the Citroen C-Crosser. Since then, the C-Crosser has done reasonable business for Citroen, but it's prospects have been somewhat blighted by the lack of an automatic gearbox option in the diesel version that nearly all buyers want.

That's now been put right - and very thoroughly too. Buyers of the Auto DCS model that will henceforth account for the majority of sales get a refined 6-speed electronic DCS gearbox that perfectly suits Citroen's powerful 2.2HDi 16V 156hp DPFS engine. This transmission provides both Automatic and Manual driving modes, with paddles behind the steering wheel. Thanks to the dual clutch design, smooth and efficient gear shifts are made without interrupting power delivery, with the engine applying torque to one clutch the instant it disconnects from the other. A 'Sport' mode can also be selected for even more responsive performance.

These days, the C-Crosser is offered only in Citroen's plushest two trim levels - VTR+ and Exclusive - with a long list of standard features including six airbags, an alarm, automatic headlamps, sliding and reclining second row seats, ABS, ESP, cruise control and automatic air conditioning. Recommended retail prices start from around the £23,000 mark.

"A well-styled, decently built modern compact 4x4 that's offered at competitive price.."

Now that the auto diesel is here, there's been no reason for Citroen UK to continue importing the 170bhp 2.4-litre petrol version that used to come in automatic form only to sate potential C-Crosser buyers not wanting three pedals. Sure enough, there's now only the single diesel choice in the line-up. Just as well then that this unit has in recent times been significantly improved. This 2.2HDi 16V 156hp DPFS engine has been re-homologated, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions of just 185g/km (or 192g/km in DCS auto form). Buyers can also benefit from lower Vehicle Excise Duty (VED Band I in manual guise or Band J as an auto) and lower BIK taxation charges. At the same time, fuel economy has been improved to over 40mpg on the combined cycle for the manual model (or 38.7mpg for the DCS auto).

As before, to ensure an optimum blend of comfort, road holding and off-road capability, drivers have a choice of three transmission settings that can be changed depending on road conditions and driving style. Drivers can switch between two-wheel drive, electronically controlled four-wheel drive and a lock setting for low-grip conditions, all of which can be selected using a control mounted on the central console.

Granted, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but this beholder can't help but think that Citroen has done a much better job than sister company Peugeot in draping their version of this car in the respective corporate clothes. Where the 4007 looks rather ungainly around the front end, the C-Crosser works very well, the low-profile Citroen grille looking a lot more at home than the Cayenne-like maw of the 4007.

There's only so much that Citroen could do with a piece of engineering with firmly established 'hard points' and the rear three quarter view looks decidedly Japanese, the tapered C-pillars and bold wheelarches betraying the car's Oriental origins.

Inside, the cabin feels classier these days. Bluetooth connectivity is now standard specification on Exclusive versions, allowing for compatible mobile phones to be connected to the integrated hands-free kit. Automatic windscreen wipers are specified as standard across the range and all versions benefit from an updated dashboard design with smarter chrome inserts around the dials and vents, plus an improved finish on the door panels.

Citroen's penchant for functionality and innovation remains clearly visible in the C-Crosser, with its flexible 5+2 seating configuration. For ease of use when exiting the third row seats, or when reconfiguring the boot lay-out, the second row seats can be electronically folded forwards using the buttons located internally next to the rear wheel arches. The two occasional use seats in the rear can be simply folded away under the floor, while the second row of seating also slides and reclines for greater comfort.

The C-Crosser also offers plenty of stowage space throughout, with over 20 individual storage compartments. All five rear seats can be folded away easily to provide a flat floor and vast load space of up to 1,686 litres, while the boot capacity is up to 510 litres when the second row of seats are in use. To help loading items into the huge boot space, there's a split two-piece tailgate. Folded down, the lower section drops the sill by 64mm allowing heavy goods to be easily loaded, while doubling as a handy bench, capable of supporting up to 200kg.

Overall, we continue to like the idea behind this car. The Mitsubishi Outlander/Peugeot 4007/C-Crosser design is a very good one and our local Citroen dealership would be our first port of call if we wanted to get it at the best possible price. Indeed, if you don't want a budget Far Eastern brand, this is the most affordable way of getting 7-seater practicality in the 4x4 sector. In that respect, you could call the C-Crosser a market-leading 4x4. And who would have thought we'd ever say that about a Citroen?